WHAT IS THE
CAMBRIDGE DREAM?
Many people who study at Cambridge University describe
the experience as a dream come true.
For over 800 years Cambridge University
has been a world-leading centre of academic
excellence, renowned for its ground
breaking scientific research, its rich literary
history and its extraordinary architectural
beauty. The University has over 80 Nobel
Prize winners and continues to be home to
the most innovative thinkers of the
twenty-first century.
Cambridge Dream provides a unique
summer course at Cambridge University to
help young students achieve their dream of
being accepted at a top UK or US University.
For 2, 3 or 4 weeks, attendees study, eat and
sleep in the same college rooms used by
full-time students at Cambridge University
and participate in a stimulating programme
of academic lectures, interactive workshops
and team challenges, taught by University
lecturers, professional teachers, expert
speakers and Oxbridge (Cambridge and
Oxford) students. They receive guidance
about University admissions and practise
writing a personal statement and answering
tough interview questions to help them
prepare for their University applications.
Sharing this amazing experience are British
students from more than ten schools in the
Cambridge area who join us each year for
the summer school. The British school
students attend all the daytime workshops
and lectures, working in mixed teams with
our international participants, as well as
joining in some evening activities and
excursions.
When attendees are not busy studying, they
can enjoy an exciting variety of social activities
such as punting on the River Cam and cultural
visits to Cambridge colleges, museums, art
galleries and theatres, as well as excursions to
London,
Oxford,
Stratford-upon-Avon
(Shakespeare’s birthplace) and other famous
attractions.
“By attending a Cambridge Dream summer course at Cambridge University, students develop the
skills essential for a successful University application and future academic and career success.”
Laura Davies, Managing Director of Cambridge Dream
BA (Hons), MA (Cantab), PGDipM, Chartered Marketer, FCIM
WHY ATTEND A CAMBRIDGE DREAM
SUMMER PROGRAMME?
Global competition for top University places is accelerating. To be successful, in
addition to achieving higher grades, young people must perform to the best of
their ability in every aspect of the application process, including undertaking
research, reading and experiences beyond the academic curriculum.
Applying as an international student is even more challenging than for home students. The
success rate for non-UK applicants to Cambridge is 12-13% on average, and for many
countries considerably lower, compared to 21% for UK applicants. Non-UK applicants have
fewer opportunities to come to Open Days or familiarise themselves with the process and
prepare thoroughly before applying. Furthermore, the teaching methods in some countries
may not encourage the kind of academic curiosity and critical thinking expected of
top-performing students in the UK.
WHAT ARE ADMISSIONS
TUTORS IN WORLD-CLASS
UNIVERSITIES LOOKING FOR?
Admissions tutors are committed to selecting students with the highest academic
potential, regardless of their nationality or background, by taking into account
their academic results, personal statements, admissions tests required for certain
courses, such as the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA), and interview. They are
looking for students’ motivation and ability to apply their minds and deal with
new concepts, rather than their ability to recall facts.
“We want a sense of your ability to think analytically and
critically in an academic setting.”
Cambridge Admissions Tutor
BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME
Cambridge Dream helps students improve their chances of being admitted to any
world-class University, by providing insights into the application processes,
increasing students’ confidence and enhancing their skills in communication,
critical thinking, leadership and creativity, which are vital for academic success.
During the course, students will learn how to:
• Reach well-reasoned opinions which they can express confidently;
• Study independently and show they have a passion for learning;
• Apply thinking skills critically and creatively to resolve complex problems;
• Interact and work collaboratively in small teams;
• Become more socially confident individuals with good self-awareness
and leadership skills;
• Answer tough interview questions and write a strong personal statement.
Follow in Famous Footsteps
Follow in the footsteps of Cambridge’s famous alumni, like scientists Francis Crick
and James Watson who discovered the structure of DNA; Isaac Newton who
developed the laws of universal gravitation; Charles Darwin who formulated the
theory of evolution by natural selection; mathematician Charles Babbage who
invented the first programmable computer; economist John Maynard Keynes;
poets William Wordsworth and Lord Byron, and future King of England Prince
Charles, to name but a few.
WHAT MAKES CAMBRIDGE DREAM
DIFFERENT?
This is a prestigious course with a limited number of places. It is not a standard English
summer camp. We are looking for talented and hard-working students who will be
committed to meeting the challenges and getting the most out of the programme. We
will only consider applicants, aged 13-18 years old, who are still in school at the time
of applying. Applicants must be able to follow lessons in English and actively
participate in class discussions, using everyday vocabulary.
A truly distinctive aspect of the Cambridge Dream programme is our integration of
international students with British school students in the Cambridge area. Integrated
classes and activities are of significant benefit to all the participants, as both the
British students and overseas students gain from shared learning and increased
cultural understanding. Of course, they also have lots of fun in a variety of settings,
from robotics and 3D printing to performing Shakespeare and Scottish dancing.
Our Belief
“I believe in the power of aspirational education to change lives.”
Laura Davies, Founder and Managing Director of Cambridge Dream
BA (Hons), MA (Cantab), PGDipM, Chartered Marketer, FCIM
PROGRAMME DETAILS
The programme is held in a Cambridge University college in July each year. Dates
are also available in August. The length of course can be from 2 to 4 weeks.
The price of the course includes the following:
• An assigned mentor (Cambridge or Oxford student) for each 6 students;
• Coach transfers to and from London Heathrow airport;
• Accommodation in standard single bedrooms in Cambridge University;
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner;
• Weekly change of bed linen and towels;
• A daily timetable of classes and activities;
• Evening social entertainments;
• Residential English staff present at all times;
• Formal Dinner (silver service) and awards presentation;
• Cambridge attractions, such as chauffeured punting and traditional afternoon tea;
• 1 full-day excursion to London, including entrance tickets;
• 1 full-day excursion to Oxford, including entrance tickets;
• An award in Sports Leadership;
• An end-of-course certificate of attendance;
• A personalised report with targets;
• A Personal Development Plan.
Flights, insurance, visa application, extra excursions, VIP airport transfer and spending money are not included.
Students from some countries will need to apply for a visa, in accordance with the eligibility rules of HM Visas and
Immigration (formerly the UK Border Agency). Cambridge Dream will sponsor the visa applications.
TEN REASONS TO CHOOSE
CAMBRIDGE DREAM
1. Directed by Cambridge scholars and mentored by Oxbridge Undergraduates.
2. Integration with British students from local Cambridge schools.
3. High-calibre academic teaching faculty, including Oxbridge academics.
4. Advice about what admissions staff look for in successful applicants.
5. Full, diverse programme of inspiring, thought-provoking lectures
and confidence-building workshops, from science to Shakespeare.
6. Opportunity to develop 21st century skills and prepare a personal plan
for academic and career success.
7. Visits to several Cambridge and Oxford Colleges.
8. Magnificent cultural attractions such as Buckingham Palace, British Museum
and Cambridge Shakespeare Festival.
9. Exciting social activities, including a garden party and croquet on the college
lawn, a traditional dancing evening (ceilidh), chauffeured punting and formal
‘silver service’ candlelit dinner in college.
10. A safe and secure introduction to student life in one of the highest-ranking
world universities.
STUDENTS’ FEEDBACK
“ Every day was different and exciting! I learned how to code and how to prepare for an
interview and I performed in 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Brilliant! ”
“ The practice interviews, business challenge, robotics and MUN debate all built my
confidence. Furthermore, the knowledge I gained about Economics and Programming
will help my studies. ”
“ The student mentors' patience and kindness really impressed me. After this unforgettable
course, I feel more confident and I truly believe I can achieve my goals. ”
PARENTS’ FEEDBACK
“ The programme is very interesting and the level of students is much higher
than in the usual summer camps (important!). ”
“ We are so surprised and touched by the changes we’ve seen in our son, thanks to
‘The Cambridge Dream’! The course is not long, the impact is so far-reaching! ”
“ Cambridge Dream's Summer School Programme sets itself apart
from conventional summer camps in so many different aspects. ”
LEADERS’ FEEDBACK
“ We noticed that you paid great attention to all the details, such as the students’ welfare,
teaching, food, transport and accommodation, to ensure the highest quality. ”
“ Our students developed impressive leadership, critical thinking and creative skills. More than
this, they gained self-confidence and a passion for learning. ”
“ Your teachers have a unique way of making classes interesting and lively. We have had a
great deal of positive feedback from the students and parents. Well done! ”
OUR CAMBRIDGE
FAMILY HISTORY
Laura Davies, founder and Managing Director of Cambridge Dream, has
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Cambridge University and more than 25
years experience in international education and business.
Since 2007, Laura has personally directed
international
summer
residential
programmes in prestigious
UK boarding schools and
Universities for students of
many nationalities.
Previously, Laura held senior
international
positions
within ICI, KPMG and
Market Insights, where she
was
commissioned
to
undertake research and
strategy
consultancy
projects for Universities, the
UK Government and other high-profile
institutions.
Laura’s husband Neil graduated in Natural
Sciences from Cambridge University. They met
as students and were married at
Cambridge University in 1991.
Their son completed a medical
undergraduate degree in
Physiology, Development and
Neuroscience
(PDN)
at
Cambridge University and is
pursuing his postgraduate
studies
at
Cambridge
University’s School of Clinical
Medicine. The teaching and
mentoring staff of Cambridge
Dream comprise many scholars
from Cambridge and Oxford Universities
(together known as Oxbridge).
Laura and Neil Davies at their son’s graduation
from Cambridge University
More Information
For further course details, including a sample timetable, videos and a photo gallery,
visit www.cambridgedream.com.
The Old Bakery, High Street, Farndon, Chester, CH3 6PU, UK
0044 1829 271800
[email protected]
www.cambridgedream.com
Copyright ©2014-2019 Laura Davies. All rights reserved.
This work is registered with UK Copyright Service:
Registration no: 284679373
Cambridge Dream Limited is a UK registered company number 4882224. Cambridge Dream Limited contracts with
colleges of Cambridge University and does not operate under the aegis of Cambridge University.